Why do I write? The answer lies in the fact I enjoy reading. It all began with Uncle Wiggley Longears, the rabbit gentleman stories by Howard Garis. At bedtime at our house in the nineteen forties, my father would entertain me and my siblings with his own version of an ‘Uncle Wiggley Adventure.’ After an ending, “And if the turnips do not fall into the cabbage patch traps and get eaten by the turtle tribe, tomorrow I will tell you about Uncle Wiggley’s escape from the falling tree near ‘Henry,’ the covered bridge.” (In Vermont, covered bridges are named). With an eager readiness at the next bedtime, three children sat in anticipation as their Dad struggled to fabricate a new Uncle Wiggley adventure.
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In the nineteen fifties, my interest was captured by the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene. Each holiday, I would request the latest Nancy Drew title and upon receiving it, I would curl-up in an over-sized chair and begin reading the fast-paced adventure.
I dabbled at creating my own mystery stories at an early age. My first effort detailed a long, frightening chase by a sinister man. A dark tunnel appeared, leading to (of course) a haunted mansion. The not-so-brilliant ending had me saved by the man of my life at the time – my Dad.
My parents and teachers would often tell me, “Patty, you are a dreamer. You have a vivid imagination. Put it to good use.” It was at that point, in lieu of playing with friends or watching the new small-box-wonder – TV, I sat at an old desk in the kitchen and wrote mystery stories. I also drew stick figures to illustrate the action in the stories. The discovery of boys replaced pen and paper. The telephone became my favorite instrument and I lost interest in reading and writing until I married and settled down. With a revival of interest and two peppy kids, I picked up where I left off, writing saleable poetry, articles, essays, and short stories.
In 2008, my persistence paid off. PublishAmerica published my first novel, an adventure/thriller, The Dog Men. I am presently at work on several mystery/thriller novels, a collection of short stories, poetry and flash fiction.
My advice to new writers is the same I give to myself. Read and write every day. I go so far as to bring a manuscript with me when I go on vacation. It is the routine of writing that works. Beware of the pitfall of the blank page. Put something on the page and release your imagination.
Stand tough when rejections come in. Enroll in a writing course. My writing thrives with each correspondence course I take. Find a professional reader. Their ads can be found in writer’s magazines and their input is invaluable. Whatever you do, don’t give up. I look forward to reading your story one day.